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PETALING JAYA: Olympic champions Argentina, Australia and Nigeria are the main attractions for the invitational Inter-Continental Cup Under-23 tournament in Kuala Lumpur from May 15-25.

The three teams, who will be competing in the Beijing Olympic Games, will join Ghana, Ireland, Iraq, Croatia and hosts Malaysia in the eight-team tournament, which will be hosted by the FA of Malaysia (FAM).

The tournament, to be held at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya and the KL Football Stadium in Cheras, will be organised by Octagon Marketing.

Phil Carling, the global head of Octagon Marketing, said football fans would have to wait and see if Argentine Olympic coach Sergio Batista includes Barcelona ace Lionel Messi in his squad for the 10-day tournament.

"It all depends on the player's club commitment in the Champions League," Carling said in a press conference after the draw .

Malaysia is in Group A with Ireland, Iraq and Nigeria. Group B comprises Argentina, Australia, Ghana and Croatia.

The top two teams from the two groups will advance to the semi-finals.

WHEN Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor landed at Parliament House, he was an instant celebrity.

MPs and Parliament staff reached out to greet the Angkasawan or to catch a glimpse of him at the banquet hall, where the Barisan Nasional backbenchers club hosted a luncheon in his honour on Monday. They clamoured for his autograph and to pose with him for photographs.

"It's historic and I am proud. He is an idol in some way," said Ampang MP Datuk Dr Rozaidah Talib.

The 44-year-old doctor said she wanted to be photographed with the Angkasawan to share the memory with her children and grandchildren.

Chipping in, Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar was a good role model for young Malaysians.

"His feat in space is a story of 'nothing is impossible' if you focus on achieving your goals."

Sri Gading MP Datuk Mohamad Aziz brought his wife along to meet the space celebrity and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz had nothing but praise for the astronaut.

"He is a good role model for the young. He is humble, polite and not self-centred."

"Despite his new found fame, he is still pretty much on the ground. He talks about Malaysia and not about himself."

"That is why the MPs too are impressed with him," said Nazri.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis, who played a major role in the national space mission, played second fiddle to the astronaut.

But he did not seem to mind being the "chaperon" for the country's first man in space; guiding him through the pack of admirers and cameramen and allowing him to take a few questions from the press before rushing him off to meet delegates of the Umno general assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre.

Besides the flurry and the excitement of meeting the country's newest hero, MPs were also incessantly shuttling between the Dewan Rakyat and the Umno general assemblies and the Deepavali open houses.

Besides that, it was business as usual at the august House, except that when the Dewan Rakyat was not sitting on Friday, a heavy downpour flooded part of the media centre.

Parliament officers had to call up the press, to get their representatives to check on whether any damage had been done to their computers.

During the sessions, there were the usual exchange of barbs between the Government and the opposition.

Nazri, the minister in charge of Parliament affairs, was present throughout the week to see that the sessions had the necessary quorum.

"We do not want to see a repeat of what happened last year," he said, referring to last year's Umno gathering which left the House with only 23 MPs – three short of the required quorum of 26 – at one juncture because close to 100 of the 219 MPs were from Umno.

The opposition put the heat on Nazri, with questions related to the Anti-Corruption Agency and whether ACA officials should refrain from accepting state awards given by the rulers.

"It is difficult to tell the sultans not to give awards," he told Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang, who also suggested that the salaries of ACA officials be raised.

Nazri said it was unfair to single out the ACA as officers from the police, Immigration and Customs were also given such awards.

Datuk Idris Haron (BN – Tangga Batu) asked Lim whether the conferment of awards was seen as corruption, adding: “It is a recognition from the sultan or head of state to those who had served well.

"It must be clear to the (ACA) recipients that receiving awards can't stop them from investigations, if that is what they are supposed to do," he said, adding the awards also serve as a motivation for a job well done.

Dr Muszaphar and Dr Faiz visited Abdullah yesterday at the prime minister's office to "report" to him after arriving home in Malaysia a few days ago.

Abdullah was briefed on Dr Muszaphar's mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and on the scientific experiments he conducted there.

"I'm glad to hear the specimens were all safe as they had quite a rough landing on Earth in the Soyuz craft," Abdullah said after the meeting.

He said Dr Muszaphar had done the nation proud and had achieved a big step for Malaysia by excelling in other fields.

Abdullah reiterated that Malaysia was keen on continuing the space programme and would consider future offers to send another astronaut into space.

"Dr Faiz is just as capable and he will be involved in the next mission.

"There could also be room for Dr Muszaphar to be involved again."

The two spacemen presented Abdullah with "souvenirs" from space: the mini Quran which Dr Muszaphar took with him to the ISS, a frame containing other objects which he also brought, such as a mini Jalur Gemilang and a copy of the Rukunegara, and a black leather jacket with the Angkasawan logo and Abdullah's name stitched on it.

"You are a hero," Abdullah said while shaking Dr Muszaphar's hand.

"You are a hero, too," he said as he shook Dr Faiz's hand.

The astronauts are to meet Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today at his office at the Defence Ministry.

Source: The New Straits Times Online

Posted by site editor
at 1:41 PM JST

PM PROUD OF ANGKASAWANTopic: - Var. Formal Appear'ce

By THE STAR

PUTRAJAYA: Angkasawan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor is a national hero who has proven that his trip to the International Space Station (ISS) was no tour but one filled with purpose, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The Prime Minister, who met Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and back-up Angkasawan Dr Faiz Khaleed at his office yesterday, spent more than an hour chatting with the duo about their training experiences and the trip into space.

"It is certainly a lucky day because an Angkasawan came here. This is the first time that an astronaut has stepped foot in my office."

"Dr Sheikh Muszaphar has done the country proud. You are Malaysia's hero. When can we see a heroine? Any volunteers?" he asked reporters who broke out in laughter.

Abdullah said he was pleased that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar had carried out experiments while on the ISS and managed to bring home the specimens safely despite the Soyuz's rough landing.

"We will also seriously consider Russia's offer to send a second Angkasawan to the ISS. Dr Faiz is equally capable."

"There is also room for Dr Sheikh Muszaphar to participate in future space programmes in view of his experience," he said.

Both Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Dr Faiz handed Abdullah some souvenirs, including a small Quran that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar brought with him to the ISS.

Abdullah also received memorabilia such as a mini Jalur Gemilang, a copy of the Rukun Negara and an emblem of the 50th Merdeka celebration, all of which Dr Sheikh Muszaphar had brought to the ISS.

Other gifts to Abdullah were a signed photograph of Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and his two other crew members, as well as a special leather jacket given to participants of the astronaut training programme.

The 30-minute meeting was also attended by Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis, the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Abdul Hanan Alang Endut and four scientists involved in preparing and analysing the experiments in space by Dr Sheikh Muszaphar.

Tuanku Mizan enquired from the astronaut about his mission and experience at the International Space Station (ISS).

The King also had a closer look at the items brought by Dr Sheikh Muszaphar to the ISS, including a small Quran, the Jalur Gemilang (national flag), Jalur Gemilang sticker, 50th Merdeka anniversary logo, a copy of the Rukunegara, and an envelope and logo of the Malaysian Space Programme.

Jamaluddin said Tuanku Mizan had asked Dr Faiz to continue to train hard in order to be well prepared for his space mission scheduled for 2010.

He said the King also hoped that the scientists would use the country's second space mission to enhance Malaysia's contribution to the space industry.

BANGI:Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Sheikh Shukor vividly remembers as a 10-year-old staring at the sky and wondering if there was life out there.

And like many other children, he dreamt of becoming an astronaut when he grew up.

"As long as you try hard enough and work for what you want, there is no stopping what you can achieve" - Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor

Now, the medical officer is close to realising his dreams after becoming one of the final two candidates under the National Angkasawan Programme.

The other candidate is Kapt Dr Faiz Khaleed, a dental surgeon.

One of them will be the first Malaysian astronaut and will go into space on an international mission, starting on Oct 10.

Both candidates spoke to more than 1,000 new undergraduates at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia yesterday.

"Believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams. I've always lived by this and look how far I've come."

"As long as you try hard enough and work for what you want, there is no stopping what you can achieve," said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar.

Referring to the concise experiments that would be carried out by the Angkasawan in space, Dr Faiz said that one's contribution to the country was important.

"Everyone of us has the same feeling of doing our part for the nation. The experiments that will be carried out in space will help significantly in the field of science and medicine."

"It is not only the Angkasawan that is involved in this mission, but each and every Malaysian," said Dr Faiz.

During a Q&A session later, laughter was heard when a question was posed about how astronauts would pass motion in space.

To this, both candidates simply replied that a special apparatus would be used for that function.

The undergraduates were also fairly surprised when informed that "space food" came in a variety and was actually quite delicious.

"We have steaks, fish and even soup which is vacuum-packed or freeze-dried. Consuming it, however, will be a different process."

"For example, some of the food would have to be eaten via a machine which dispenses it," said the Angkasawan candidates.

They also added that guidelines had been set on when and how to conduct prayers while in space.

Source: News @ The Star Online

Site Editor's Note: A similar article was published by the same journal on July 5, 2007, without the picture.

Posted by site editor
at 12:01 AM JST

Thursday, 5 July 2007

ANGKASAWAN LANDS IN UKMTopic: - Var. Formal Appear'ce

By UKM

UKM: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al Masrie, the first Angkasawan (Malaysian astronaut) will be giving a pep-talk to the new students of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) on July 5th, 2007 at Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Razak (DECTAR), 8.30 am.

The event is held to welcome the new students to the new world of academic advancement as well as to encourage and give new insights to the field science and technology.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al Masrie bin Sheikh Mustapha (born July 27, 1972) is the first Angkasawan to go into space when he is launched to the International Space Station aboard Soyuz TMA-11 in October 2007.

Born in Kuala Lumpur, Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar obtained his high school education at Maktab Rendah Sains MARA in Muar. He then pursued his MBBS medical degree at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal.

Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar is an orthopaedic doctor and a trainee lecturer in medicine with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Previously, he has served in Hospital Seremban (1998), Kuala Lumpur General Hospital (1999) and Hospital Selayang (2000-2001).

He and three other finalists were selected at the beginning of 2006 for the Malaysian Angkasawan spaceflight program. After completing initial training at Star City in Russia, he and Kapten Dr. Faiz Khaleed were selected to undergo an 18-month training stint in Russia, at the end of which one will be chosen as the angkasawan while the other will serve as back-up.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Kapten Dr. Faiz Khaleed are currently in Malaysia on a 3-week break until July 13th. From July 15th, both Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Kapten Dr. Faiz Khaleed with the rest of the team are going to undergo a survival exercise at the Black Sea before heading back to NASA headquarters in Houston, Texas, to study NASA’s space module starting from July 23rd.

Source: News @ The Star Online

Posted by site editor
at 12:01 AM JST

ANGKASAWAN SAYSTopic: - Var. Formal Appear'ce

By UKM

UKM: Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al-Masrie spoke to the new students of UKM and urged them to dare to dream and to challenge themselves in pursuing their destiny.

He was speaking to more than 4,700 new students at DECTAR, UKM on July 5 at 8.30am in a meeting organised by the Student Affairs Department.

Both astronauts received standing ovations from the students upon their arrival and departure. They shared their experiences, dreams and passions regarding the national space programme.

Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar, a lecturer in HUKM, stressed that it was willpower that helped him to be an achiever. He advised the students to clearly define their missions and goals in life as there could be no boundaries for what they could achieve, with the blessing of Allah S.W.T as well as hard work. Strong will and determination are essentially the secret to any success.

He added that Malaysia was the first Muslim country to outline a proper procedure for the performance of the sholah while residing in the International Space Station. He will perform the ablution by tayamum and the five daily prayers facing the Earth following the London Greenwich time.

Captain Dr. Faiz Khaleed, an army officer and a dentist, urged the students to be more competitive. As Malaysia heads into a future where boundaries are just mere illusions, initial steps are needed to go forward. Knowledge and expertise will determine our success to stand together with the other advanced countries. These early steps we are making now will lead towards achieving this success.

Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al-Masrie and Captain Dr. Faiz Khaleed ended their talks with the "UKM Boleh!" pledge and words of advice. The objective of his session was to give the students some insights into the life of the national heroes as well as their hopes and aspirations for this country.

Students should have passion and determination as they are the future of this country, and they should appreciate the opportunity given to them as students of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al-Masrie and Captain Dr. Faiz Khaleed are currently back in Malaysia for a short break before returning to Russia to continue their training for the space mission.

AFTER more scientific briefings during a 10-day training break in Kuala Lumpur, Angkasawan candidates Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Sheikh Shukor and Dr Faiz Khaleed had the perfect "send off" back to the Yuri Gagarin Training Centre near Moscow.

The duo stopped by to "re-fuel" at Russian Ambassador Alexander Karchava's residence on Jan 5 and tucked into various Russian delicacies specially prepared for them by the envoy's chef.

Karchava and his wife Ekaterina filled them with more than just food. Their words of encouragement moved both the aspiring angkasawan.

"You're doing a great job and have made Malaysians proud of you and your names are going to be etched in Malaysian history."

RUSSIAN HOSPITALITY: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar (left) and Dr Faiz (right) at the dinner hosted by Karchava and Ekaterina at their residence.

"Personally, I am also very proud that this space mission will be taking place during my tenure here as Russia's ambassador to Malaysia," Karchava said during a reception he hosted for both candidates.